Every year, on the 15th day of the 8th month of the lunar calendar, when the moon is at its brightest for the year, the Chinese celebrate zhong qiu jie – the Mooncake Festival.A typical mooncake is round and contains a thick pastry including the yolk of salted egg to symbolize the moon. It is coated with a relatively thin crust. Chinese families traditionally gather outside their homes to admire the moon while partaking of mooncakes. The Chinese delicacy is rich, heavy, and dense, compared to most Western cakes and pastries.
There are various accounts as to the origin of the festival. One story told to children is about a moon fairy who lived in a crystal palace, who came out to dance on the moon’s shadowed surface. Or the story of a beautiful goddess Chang O, who lives in a palace in the moon and sends down her blessings.
Today to celebrate, our family made Chinese lanterns, moon cakes and also moon viewers. We are hoping to do some moon gazing this evening but the weather is not looking very promising. I also have a moon festival book to read to the kids before bed. They have enjoyed the activities today and are thrilled to have this special Chinese holiday to celebrate their birth country.
Tonight as a look up at the moon... I will thank God for giving me my precious Chinese children. I will also pray for their birth parents. They have given me such amazing gifts. May God be with with them and all of you reading. Love you all!
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